Dry Needling

Dry Needling in Ashburn, VA

When it comes to treating pain and dysfunction, dry needling has emerged as one of the most effective therapies available today. However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all dry needling treatments are created equal, and not all practitioners possess the level of experience found at AIDPPT.

As the most experienced clinic in Northern Virginia specializing in dry needling, we have the expertise and knowledge to deliver exceptional results. It’s important to note that in Virginia, dry needling requires a written prescription from a qualified healthcare professional such as a doctor, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or chiropractor.

Dry needling is a neurophysiological treatment technique backed by solid scientific evidence. It involves a thorough manual assessment of the neuromuscular system, a skill at which our physical therapists excel. Research demonstrates that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor endplates, and promotes faster return to active rehabilitation.

At AIDPPT, we combine the power of dry needling with manual physical therapy interventions to provide comprehensive care. Experience the difference our expertise can make in your recovery journey.

Dry Needling Benefits

Discover the potential relief and accelerated recovery that dry needling can provide for your specific condition. Our dry needling services target a variety of conditions, including:

Dry Needling FAQ's

How Treatment is Performed

Your physical therapist will palpate through the muscle tissue in order to identify a trigger point within the muscle. These are identified through palpation of a taut band as well as reproduction of the pain that you are reporting. Once the trigger point is identified, the therapist will insert a small filiform needle through the skin and will move the needle into the trigger point.

What Equipment is Used?

Solid filiform needle of varying lengths depending on the depth of the tissue. Gloves are worn as a precaution and to keep the site sterile.

What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?

Patients usually do not even feel the needle being inserted since it is much smaller than than ones used in any kind of injection or blood test. After the needle is inserted, the therapist will move the needle around which can cause the muscle to twitch. The twitch is brief but uncomfortable. This twitch is a desired response and means the therapist has penetrated a trigger point. At any point during treatment the patient has the right to tell the treating therapist to stop.

Is it the Same as Acupuncture?

Dry needling is based off western medical principles and research. Acupuncture is primarily based off of Eastern philosophy consisting of acupuncture points, motor points, meridians, chi, etc. Dry needling can fall within the scope of practice for acupuncturists. None of the therapists at AID Performance Physical Therapy are licensed to practice acupuncture.

How Does it Work?

Current research has shown the chemical composition of the painful trigger point is immediately altered after the insertion of the needle. This alteration in composition may decrease the signal to the pain receptors and break the pain cycle.

What are the Side Effects & Risks of Dry Needling

Post-treatment, the patient will experience muscle soreness in the area that was treated for a period of 24-72 hours. Patients may also see some bruising in areas that are highly vascularized. There is a slight risk of pneumothorax in areas over the lungs. However, this is very unlikely to occur due to the size of the needle. A small, uncomplicated pneumothorax may quickly heal on its own and is not considered a medical emergency. Your physical therapist will inform you of the signs and symptoms associated with a pneumothorax as well as when it is appropriate to seek further medical attention.

What can be treated?

Dry needling can be effective for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, knee pain, wrist pain, hand pain, foot pain, TMD, pelvis pain, tension type headaches, and whiplash associated disorders.

Dry Needling in Ashburn, VA

At AIDPPT, we combine the power of dry needling with manual physical therapy interventions to provide comprehensive care. Experience the difference our expertise can make in your recovery journey.

Dry Needling Benefits

Discover the potential relief and accelerated recovery that dry needling can provide for your specific condition. Our dry needling services target a variety of conditions, including: